The effect of aminoglycoside antibiotic therapy on the renal excretion of divalent cations, retinol-binding protein and muramidase

Abstract

There is currently no satisfactory method for predicting nephrotoxicity in patients receiving aminoglycoside antibiotics. Serum creatinine measurements, which estimate glomerular function, are an inappropriate index to use when the site of toxicity is the proximal tubular cells. Disturbance of electrolyte homeostasis is a frequent consequence of treatment with aminoglycosides, but this has seldom been prospectively investigated. The aims of this study were to see if renal excretion of retinol-binding protein and muramidase could be used as early markers of aminoglycoside nephrotoxicity, and to examine the effects of aminoglycoside administration on the renal excretion of calcium and magnesium....